Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013, in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Metro North workers at the site of Friday's train derailment in Bridgeport. Conn. on Sunday, May 19, 2013. Derailed train cars were being hoisted back on to the tracks and pulled away from the scene.
Photo: Brian A. Pounds

Metro North workers at the site of Friday's train derailment in Bridgeport. Conn. on Sunday, May 19, 2013. Derailed train cars were being hoisted back on to the tracks and pulled away from the scene.
Photo: Brian A. Pounds

Crews are working on Sunday May 19, 2013 to remove the damaged cars and debris from the scene of Friday evenings Metro-North train accident in Bridgeport, Conn. Cranes were rolled in to hoist the passenger cars away and workers worked to clear debris from the collision site.
Photo: Libor Jany

Crews are working on Sunday May 19, 2013 to remove the damaged cars...

Crews are working on Sunday May 19, 2013 to remove the damaged cars and debris from the scene of Friday evenings Metro-North train accident in Bridgeport, Conn. Cranes were rolled in to hoist the passenger cars away and workers worked to clear debris from the collision site.
Photo: Libor Jany

Crews on Sunday, May 19, 2013 work to remove damaged cars and debris from the scene of Friday's train collision near the Fairfield Metro station.
Photo: Contributed Photo

Crews on Sunday, May 19, 2013 work to remove damaged cars and...

Crews are working on Sunday May 19, 2013 to remove the damaged cars and debris from the scene of Friday evenings Metro-North train accident. Large cranes were rolled in to hoist the passenger cars away and workers worked to clear debris from the collision.
Photo: Brian A. Pounds

@KallMeKG: PHOTO: Dramatic photo from inside the train from a friend who was on front #MetroNorth train headed to #NYC. pic.twitter.com/nPvBmR6cqf

@KallMeKG: PHOTO: Dramatic photo from inside the train from a...

@KarenLeeWFSB: PHOTO: Dramatic photo from inside the train from a friend who was on front #MetroNorth train headed to #NYC. pic.twitter.com/nPvBmR6cqf

@KarenLeeWFSB: PHOTO: Dramatic photo from inside the train from a...

@KarenLeeWFSB: Another one from my friend who was inside the train. He was in the middle carts #metronorth #Bridgeport pic.twitter.com/kQeMZ6TyaO

@KarenLeeWFSB: Another one from my friend who was inside the train....

@KallMeKG: Photo 3: Debris on seats from inside the #MetroNorth train crash. He was thrown off the seat but ok. #Bridgeport pic.twitter.com/8L6MqA7lim

@KallMeKG: Photo 3: Debris on seats from inside the #MetroNorth...

@KarenLeeWFSB: Another picture from my friend. He wasn't hurt but says he saw others #MetroNorth pic.twitter.com/qhQtk3CQVf

@KarenLeeWFSB: Another picture from my friend. He wasn't hurt but...

The first row of seats in the eastbound train, seen through the window, are crushed after Friday's Metro-North train collision in Bridgeport.

The first row of seats in the eastbound train, seen through the...

This is the view from the westbound train after Friday night's Metro-North collision in Bridgeport. The damage inside the eastbound train can be seen through the window.

This is the view from the westbound train after Friday night's...

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Police cars block the Fairfield Avenue exit on I95 south after two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Commuters wait to be taken to their destinations after two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line.
Photo: Christian Abraham

A firefighter comforts the family members of one of the victims who was on one of two Metro-North Railroad trains which collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line.
Photo: Christian Abraham

A firefighter comforts the family members of one of the victims who...

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Parents walk with their daughter who was on one of two Metro-North Railroad trains which collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line.

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Two Metro-North Railroad trains collided and one derailed at 6:10 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013 in the vicinity of Commerce Drive along the Fairfield-Bridgeport, Conn. line. "At this stage, we don't know if this is a mechanical failure, an accident or something deliberate," said Fairfield Police spokesman Lt. James Perez. As of 7:30 p.m., officials said there were 26 injuries, four considered serious. Denise Bartelson, of Stratford, waits for her son, James, who made it off the train OK.
Photo: Christian Abraham

Sen. Richard Blumenthall speaks during a press confernce at the train station in Bridgeport, Conn., May 29th, 2013. Blumenthal is seen here with Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy, and Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.
Photo: Ned Gerard

BRIDGEPORT -- The nation isn't taking care of its rail infrastructure, and billions more must be spent to keep passenger and freight trains rolling swiftly and safely.

That was the message that Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy had for a gathering of reporters at the city's Metro-North Railkroad station Wednesday.

Joined by U.S. Rep. Jim Himes and Mayor Bill Finch, the officials called on the federal government to spend more on rail safety and reliability following the May 17 commuter train derailment and collision in Bridgeport that left more than 70 people injured and shut down service along the busy Metro-North New Haven line for four days.

Murphy said that over the next 20 years, $4.6 billion would be needed just to maintain the Connecticut section of the railroad -- $50 billion for the entire Northeast rail corridor.

"And that's just to keep the rail line in a state of good repair," he said. "That does not get you more trains or faster transit times."

Blumenthal said some sort of rail trust fund should be established to ensure there is sufficient money for infrastructure improvement.

"This is a critical point in a vital artery," Blumenthal said. "it can be a gateway or a choke point."

He said the recent derailment showed how vital it is to have the tracks open without fail.

Finch agreed.

"The government woefully under-invested in this job-creator," Finch said. "These four ribbons of steel bring people to work and help to grow Bridgeport. But they run on old computer systems and old catenary lines. It's time to get behind our senators and our congressional delegation."

"Metro-North appreciates the supportive comments of Connecticut's leaders today regarding the critical importance of federal funding for rail infrastructure, and we are happy to work with our elected representatives to develop sustained funding solutions that will expedite track and signal improvements, bridge replacements and other investments to improve mass transit in Connecticut and the Northeast."

On May 17, an eastbound train from New York City derailed during the evening rush hour, came to a stop and was struck about 20 seconds later by a westbound train, according to the The National Transportation Safety Board. About 700 people were on board.

The rail safety agency is still investigating the wreck, but has ruled out foul play.

"We have to make decisions as a country as to whether or not we're willing to step up to the plate and pay enough in taxes to the federal government to make sure that disasters don't happen on this line," Murphy said Wednesday.

Himes said making a greater commitment to the Boston-to-Washington rail corridor is long overdue.

"You don't need to spend a lot of time on Metro-North and Amtrak to know that our service here is far substandard and probably dangerous," he said. "When you give up on keeping people safe on the rails, you have completely given up on the economic growth that those rails bring. When you're worried about your tracks falling apart, you're not thinking forward."

Blumenthal said the nation needs a rail trust fund similar to the United States Highway Trust Fund, which is built through the federal 18.3-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline, a 24.4-cent-per-gallon diesel fuel tax and related excise taxes. The rail fund, he said, could be funded with low-interest treasury bonds and various rail usage fees.

"There's tremendous demand out there for U.S. Treasury bonds -- they're rock solid," he said.

Blumenthal said he will be chairman of an upcoming hearing of the Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, at which the rail trust fund is to be discussed.

"I've talked to a number of my colleagues about it, and they seemed to think that this was a good idea," he said. "The good news is that every community, every state, has rails like these."

Blumenthal said Republicans in Congress who are resistant to spending on infrastructure should remember that it was President Dwight D. Eisenhower who spent billions in the 1950s to create the interstate highway system.

"This cause used to be bipartisan," Blumenthal said, adding that the GOP needs to free itself from the "ideological straitjacket" on spending and view this as an investment.

Murphy agreed.

"Investment in this rail line is an economic investment -- in the city of Bridgeport and the state of Connecticut," he said.

During the news conference on the eastern end of the New York-bound platform, a number of Metro-North trains rumbled by, as well as an Amtrak Acela Express.

Murphy suggested that at least some of this investment could come from Amtrak.

"Amtrak makes a lot of profit on the trains that run through here," he said. "Three hundred million dollars every year in profit from Amtrak trains running on these tracks."

Murphy said that these Amtrak profits are spent elsewhere in the nation, not in the Northeast.